The Cubs open up their Cactus League slate today with split squad games against the A’s and Giants (more details on the games (yes audio, no video, for those asking) later today in the Pre-Gamin’), and I was going to wait to discuss the lineups until later, but I just can’t.
I mean … look at them in all their glory:
Against the A’s at Sloan Park:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Miguel Montero, C
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Mike Olt, 3B
- Ryan Sweeney, DH
- Junior Lake, RF
And against the Giants in Scottsdale:
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Chris Denorfia, LF
- Arismendy Alcantara, CF
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Welington Castillo, C
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Chris Valaika, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
So many feelings.
I love the Fowler/Rizzo/Castro top three in the actual lineup when the season breaks, so we’ll see if that becomes a possibility. I think it’s interesting that Junior Lake is seeing time in right field right out of the gate (maximum outfield versatility for him would be a great thing, especially given the Cubs’ depth questions in the outfield). The Cubs are getting Welington Castillo a catching start right away, which is probably at least in some small part to start showcasing him a bit.
And a lineup with Alcantara, Soler, Bryant, Schwarber, and Russell? Bryant and Schwarber hitting back-to-back? Bryant and Russell playing next to each other in the field? I … I … I am so sad that the game won’t be televised.
(Bonus? Albert Almora is available off of the bench for the latter game.)
Sure, it’s just Spring Training. And, sure, all we can do is listen and read. But it’s still exciting for the nerds among us.